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Having a Hawaii wedding offers endless beauty in itself, but adding a few personalized touches here and there can really highlight your unique love story on your Special Day. We cherish all the little additions our clients have brought to their ceremonies, so we’ve collected some of our favorite Oahu destination wedding ideas to share on our blog!

If you’re looking for Hawaii wedding details, we’ve got plenty of ideas and a ton of inspiration from our clients that we LOVE!

Getting Ready

The moments before you say “I do” are destined to become sweet and special memories of your Big Day. Our sister company, Karma Hill Photography, specializes in capturing the details that showcase your personality. From custom bridal robes and t-shirts to personalized hangers, these items make for great photographs to add to your wedding collection!

Jewelry

Another piece that deserves some attention are all the details that shimmer and shine! Of course, the wedding rings are a must, but you put time and thought into earrings and necklaces and everything in between, so why shouldn’t they be memorialized?

Rings and Ring Boxes

You can also bring those gorgeous rings and personalized ring boxes to the beach!! You don’t have to have “getting-ready” coverage to get those sentimental items photographed! Soft white sand and dark rugged lava rocks make for a gorgeous textured background for your Hawaii wedding details!

Bouquet Charms

These one-of-a-kind trinkets are so personal and special, and we absolutely ADORE them! Bouquet charms frame and display the dearest things to your heart, sometimes remembering a loved one and sometimes just sharing your personal journey. Whatever they represent, we want you to know that we treasure them too. We can help you select a custom bouquet with colors and blooms that emphasize the story behind your charms, and the Karma Hill Photography team will take special care to capture every sweet frame, so you can forever cherish these lovely wedding day additions.

Vows

These words come straight from the heart!! We love to hear the special sentiments you share on your Big Day, sometimes we even shed a tear or two. Although reading from cellphones definitely does the trick, we adore these special little booklets for sharing your vows. These are perfect Hawaii wedding details to be kept forever and cherished for generations!

Invitations

These mementos aren’t for everyone, especially if you’re eloping or just having a few guests. But if you do make them, bring them!! We were invited to your wedding, so we need to see all that loveliness that you put so much time and effort into creating! These will keep well in your memory box along with your vow booklets, and will make great additions to your photo collection.

Beach Decor

The beach is the most beautiful backdrop you could ask for, but adding a little decor never hurts! One of our favorite Oahu destination wedding ideas is to bring fun little (State-approved) details to decorate the sand–or ask us how we can help spice things up a bit! We can add some flair to your beach wedding if you wish!! Ask us about our styled beach setup options!

Arch Decor

Another great way to add some color and style to your wedding is with a unique arch! Each of our beautiful affordable wedding venues has the option to add a custom arch, and with vivid floral decor or greenery, you’ll have an “I do” backdrop that really pops! While beach ceremonies are always stunning, you have much more flexibility with the decor at a Oahu wedding venue! If you want a beach location with an arch, Kualoa Secret Island is the perfect spot! It’s the only place on the island where you can have an arch and chairs on the sand. Ask our coordinators for more details.

Shoes

These little items aren’t always in the cards because you don’t really need them on the beach. We do love them though!! Your kicks really show off your personality. Whether they’re extravagant Badgley Mischka’s or your good ole’ cowboy boots, we want to see them! And our sister company wants to photograph them, of course!

Socks

These hidden gems add fabulous flair and we love to get surprise glimpses of them! While pineapples and blue stripes are perfect for the beach, you can’t ignore that sweet little sloth pictured here! Is it just us, or does everyone want a baby sloth?? Having a special someone who’s not afraid to rock the sloth socks is the next best thing!

Groom Swag

This one is immensely important! We all know it! While of course, the bride will be looking her best, we think it’s key to let the guys shine a little too with stylish Hawaii groom wedding attire! Let them bring in some personality with prints, whether it’s all over the outside, tucked inside the jacket, or on a tie or napkin in the pocket adorned by a charm! No matter what your personality is like, we want to embrace it!

Another great way to personalize the Groom Swag is to have embroidery done! This moment is so special and so memorable, and having that stamp of personalization really makes it official. After all, this isn’t just another suit, it’s your wedding gear.

Signage

Signage is gorgeous and fitting! And remember, you don’t have to have a reception to have a sign! Just check out the brilliant ways signs were used in the weddings below! One was set up on the beach to welcome guests, and one was even used as a fabulous reminder to the Groom: the little guy in the bottom left holds a sign that reads, “Daddy, Are You Ready? Here Comes Mommy!” It doesn’t get much sweeter than that!

Cake Toppers

These classic add-ons are another great way to bring a personal touch to your wedding day. Whether you’re having a cake cutting at your reception, or adding our “cake-package” option on the beach, a cake topper or personalized cake slicer is always welcome!

Favors

These guest-favorites aren’t always something you’ll need to think about because you may be escaping the wedding planning at home and eloping!! If you do have guests though, a Hawaiian themed favor is fun and special! You could also give a sweet gift to your life partner. Who says only the guests get to indulge in the offerings? Surprising your special someone with personalized letters or sweet mementos will add a touch of spontaneity to your Big Day.

There are so many Oahu destination wedding ideas! As long as you incorporate details that you love, the options are limitless.

Here are a few other great concepts that we’ve seen recently: a Pineapple themed guest frame, a beautiful flower girl basket, a book celebrating the life of a lost family member who is with you in spirit on your wedding day, a personal hankie for Dad (tear!), and a custom cake platter with a beautiful quote and your wedding date! The possibilities are endless!! What Hawaii wedding details will you weave into your Big Day?

For more information or Oahu destination wedding ideas, come read our frequently asked questions.

Looking for the perfect Oahu wedding location?

At Simple Oahu Wedding, we believe the Hawaii locale where you get married should be gorgeous yet uncomplicated with a heaping scoop of island style. We’ll help you find the ideal place to get married in Oahu and turn your dream into reality! Just see what our clients have said:

Follow along as we review our Top 10 Places to Get Married in Oahu!

1. Kualoa Ranch Secret Island (Venue)

There are plenty of breathtaking wedding venues on Oahu, but Kualoa Ranch’s Secret Island takes the (wedding) cake when it comes to island style. This reserve is so private that you and your guests can only access the beachfront by floating over an ancient fish pond via a Hawaiian fishing boat (Yes, you read that correctly!). Imagine saying “I do” on a tropical beach with just you, your guests, and your special someone digging your toes into the powdery white sand.

Why is Kualoa Ranch in our top 10?

• 100% private
• Seats up to 50 guests
• Sweeping panoramic ocean views
• Movie-worthy valley scapes 
• Beach OR boat ceremony options are available 
• Soft north-east lighting = no harsh shadows
• Ample parking
• Family-owned and operated
• Profits protect Hawaii’s nature and wildlife
• Hawaiian fishing boat… need we say more?

2. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (Venue)

Although Hawaii beaches tend to get most of the praise, our mountains and jungles can be just as beautiful. Nestled in the lush valleys of Kailua, the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is the perfect venue for nature lovers. Its endless greenery is accented with designer elements, including a pristine pond, stone bridges, and a rugged rock wall. You’ll say “I do” on the manicured lawns overlooking the venue and then venture into the tropical forest to capture unforgettable couples portraits. 

Why is Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in our Top 10?

• Lush backdrops
• Unique Hawaiian experience
• Designer elements
• Golf car ride for jungle photo opt
• Waimanalo Beach photo session if time permits
• Optional on-site reception area
• The greenery you need to see to believe!

3. Paradise Cove Luau (Venue) 

If you dream of getting married on a beautiful beach but also want the convenience of an onsite reception, then Paradise Cove Luau is the ideal Oahu wedding location! Situated on the Leeward side of the island, this stunning location showcases vivid sunsets and glistening seascape views. With a grassy lawn or sandy stretch available for ceremony options, you can decide whether or not to go “toes in the sand” or “shoes on the terrace.” When the sun goes down, you can dive into a traditional Hawaiian luau to celebrate your union right there on the property!   

Why is Paradise Cove Luau in our top 10?

• Two gorgeous ceremony options
• Discounted group rates available for the luau
• Spectacular ocean views
• Sunsets
• Cocktail hour
• Perfect beach for portraits
• Did we mention sunsets?
• Hawaiian Luau reception (With Polynesian fire dancers!) 

4. Papailoa Beach 

It’s impossible to adequately describe the fluid and artistic beauty of Papailoa Beach. With a rocky shoreline draped in soft green algae and a stretch of trees fading into the horizon, walking on this Oahu beach feels like stepping into a masterpiece. Best known as the setting for the TV show Lost, Papailoa Beach offers bright tropical beauty with an unexpectedly refined aesthetic. 

Why is Papailoa Beach in our top 10?

• Lava rock formations
• White sands
• Minutes from Haleiwa town
• Close to restaurants
• Suitable for groups of 15 or less

5. Waimanalo Beach

Rarely crowded, Waimanalo Beach is one of our favorite locations for beach weddings. Its oceanscape features rolling valley backdrops and a seemingly endless stretch of white sands. In the morning light, Waimanalo Beach’s waters glow a vivid aquamarine, while the sky fades into soft pastels during the sunset hours. With plenty of parking and easy access to the shore, this spot is perfect for wedding guests of any age. 

Why is Waimanalo Beach in our top 10?

• Variety of valley and ocean backdrops
• Located near Sea Life Park 
• North shore views
• Aqua blue waters
• Restrooms on site

6. Yokohama (Keawaula) Beach

Resting in the heart of Makaha, Yokohama Beach is a remote white sand beach that’s well worth the travel time! The rocky coastline is encircled by lush mountains and valleys with rolling tides crashing in the ocean backdrop. Resting on the western tip of the island, this Oahu wedding location features vivid sunsets and pastel-soft morning light. 

Why is Yokohama Beach in our top 10?

• White sands
• Restroom facilities
• Endless mountainscapes 
• Remote location
• Vast shore
• Gorgeous sunsets 

7. Kualoa Regional Beach Park 

Bordered by a grassy field, this Oahu wedding location showcases green mountains and a rolling tropical beach. Just off Kaneohe Bay on the northeastern side of the island, Kualoa Regional Beach Park is famous for its striking beauty. Just ⅓ of a mile out from its shoreline, the basalt island of Mokoliʻi (or Chinaman’s Hat) rests in the vivid Hawaiian waters.

Why is  Kualoa Regional Beach Park in our top 10?

• Greenery + Ocean makes for the best of both worlds
• Stunning views of Mokoliʻi
• Variety of palms and trees
• Plenty of parking
• Restrooms on site
• White sands

8. Paradise Cove – Ko’olina Beach

Ko’olina is known for its high-end resorts and accommodations, and although it boasts gorgeous beaches they’re privately owned and inaccessible to the public. Paradise Cove is the single gem in Ko’olina where public weddings are allowed. And what a gem it is! With leggy palms and crystal clear waters, this cove is a must-see! Because it shares its shore with Paradise Cove Luau we recommend morning weddings to avoid dense crowds.  

Why is Paradise Cove – Ko’olina in our top 10?

• Manicured Palms
• Reef with clear waters
• Small parking lot
• Lava rock formations

9. Waialae Beach Park

Conveniently located near Waikiki, this gorgeous beach features plenty of palms, golden sands, and a backdrop of rolling waters. Although this Oahu wedding location is often crowded, it boasts a wide shoreline, and we can usually seek out less populated areas for the ceremony and beautiful photo ops.  

Why is Waialae Beach Park in our top 10?

• Palm trees galore
• A cute man-made island in the backdrop
• Rocky embankments
• Golden sands
• Convenient location
• Easy access
• Great for sunsets or mornings
• Parking lot
• The feeling of classic Waikiki

10. Haleiwa Alii Beach Park

Located near Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s north shore, this rustic beach boasts a lava rock embankment and endless blooms of tropical palms. Haleiwa Alii Beach Park is in the heart of the small plantation town of Haleiwa and features panoramic views of the ocean coast that make for dynamic wedding day photos. 

Why is Haleiwa Alii Beach Park in our top 10?

• White sands
• Near tourist locations like Turtle Bay Resort
• Rolling tide
• Variety of greenery
• Great for sunset and morning weddings

Thinking of booking one of these gorgeous Oahu beaches or venue wedding locations? Come check out our beautiful Oahu wedding packages to keep your Hawaii wedding planning simple and stress-free.